Austin Community College’s Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS) Program recognizes that culture, history, politics, civil society, and religion, as well as science and technology are interwoven and interconnected. The Interdisciplinary Studies degree helps students develop critical and creative thinking skills that will prepare them to succeed in a complex, interconnected world and in a variety of professions.
The Associate of Arts (AA) in Interdisciplinary Studies helps students develop critical and creative thinking skills that will prepare them to succeed in a complex, interconnected world and in a variety of professions. The Interdisciplinary Studies AA degree is designed for students who wish to continue working toward a baccalaureate degree by transferring to a four-year college or university after completion of the AA. The INDS AA award plans combine the 42-hour core curriculum with a selected academic focus that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries and teaches students to use multiple disciplinary and academic methodologies in the exploration of existing bodies of knowledge. Students will discover and integrate interconnected ideas from different disciplines while sharpening their skills in writing, analysis, and critical and creative reading and thinking.
The Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) focus engages students in various topics through the lens of human rights, social justice, conflict studies and peace processes. Issues related to these pillars are explored on the interpersonal, local, national, and international levels. Students should always consult with an academic or Interdisciplinary Studies faculty advisor regarding transfer to a specific college or university.